School of Visual Arts Faculty “Blindsided” by Course Cuts Amid $22M Deficit

Faculty at New York City’s School of Visual Arts (SVA) said they were “blindsided” by course and program cancellations as the institution seeks to cut costs amid a $22 million structural deficit, described as the largest in the school’s 79-year history. Interim president Christopher J. Cyphers wrote in a July 1 all-staff email that SVA would reduce operating costs, citing factors including a 40% enrollment drop since 2019 and a shrinking international student population. He also noted that in fall 2025 international students comprised 45% of undergraduates and 53% of graduate students. In an August 7 Instagram statement, the faculty union said even department chairs were unaware of the cancellation of numerous courses and “dozens of foundation blocks,” regardless of enrollment levels, and urged leadership to work with the community on the impact of the reductions.

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